Dubai transacted AED 176.7 billion of residential property in Q1 2026 — 47,996 deals. Most buyers in that number followed a process they only half understood. This is the full version: every step, every fee, every document, in the order it actually happens.
7steps from search to keys
4%DLD transfer fee
~7%total buying costs, all-in
30–60days for a typical ready transfer
Every dirham you will pay, itemised
| Cost item | Amount | Paid to |
|---|---|---|
| Transfer fee | 4% of price | Dubai Land Department |
| Trustee office fee | AED 4,000–5,000 | Registration trustee |
| Agent commission (ready market) | 2% + VAT | Brokerage |
| Mortgage registration (if financing) | 0.25% of loan | DLD |
| Valuation (if financing) | AED 2,500–3,500 | Bank |
| NOC fee (ready) | AED 500–5,000 | Developer |
Rule of thumb: cash buyers budget ~6–7% above the price; mortgage buyers ~8–9%. Off-plan direct from a developer usually skips the 2% agency commission entirely — one of its quiet advantages.
Documents checklist
- Passport copy (all buyers)
- Emirates ID if resident — not required for non-residents
- Proof of funds or pre-approval letter if financing
- Signed Form F / SPA
- For companies: trade licence + shareholder documents
The three checks that protect you
- Escrow account — off-plan payments must go to a DLD-regulated escrow account, never a personal or general company account
- Project registration — verify the project and developer on the DLD website or Dubai REST app before signing anything
- RERA broker card — anyone advising you should have a RERA number they volunteer without being asked. Mine is #31373.
🏗️ Recommended projects right now
- Everly Place — Ellington, MBR City — Textbook off-plan structure: 70/30 plan, DLD-registered escrow, from AED 1.9M
- The Sanctuary Villas — MBR City — For end-users who want space without leaving the city
- Browse all curated projects — Filtered, verified, underwritten
📌 Official sources — verify everything yourself
📚 Keep reading
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Sofiene has closed AED 1.8B+ in sales and underwrites every project personally. A 15-minute call could save you months of research.
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Sofiene HaddadFounder & Lead Investment Advisor, InvestInDXB · RERA #31373 · AED 1.8B+ closed · 10+ years in Dubai real estateData Over Hype. Conviction Over Commission.
